hough he
would of course find many who would do their utmost to lead him astray;
that, if he continued as he had begun, he would certainly be made a
petty officer, and very likely, if he wished it, a warrant-officer, when
he would be able to retire on a comfortable pension, and at all events,
in case of being wounded, he would have Greenwich Hospital to fall back
on.

Mrs Hadden and little Ben thought and talked and prayed over the
subject after the lieutenant was gone, and the result was that his offer
was accepted. Instead of leaping for joy, as Ben thought he should do
if this conclusion were come to, he threw his arms round his mother's
neck, exclaiming, "Oh, mother, mother, how can I be so cruel and
hard-hearted as to think of leaving you! I'll stay with you, and work
for you as before, if you wish it, indeed I will. I would rather stay--
I shall be very happy at home with you."

Mrs Hadden knew that these feelings were very natural, and, believing
that it was to Ben's advantage that he should go to sea with so kind an
officer as Lieutenant Charlton, she would not allow her resolution to be
shaken, though her mother's heart was saying all the time, "Let him give
it up, and stay at home with you." Children often but little understand
how much parents give up for what they, at all events, believe will
benefit those children.

The lieutenant had desired Mrs Hadden to let him know as soon as she
had decided, as, should Ben not go with him, he should take some other
boy in his place. In spite of all she could do, tears blotted the paper
as she wrote her humble thanks accepting his offer. The lieutenant
remarked it, observing, "Poor woman! I suppose it must be a trial to
her to part with her boy--I did not think much of that."

"Indeed it must be, my son," said Mrs Charlton, his mother, who
overheard him: "I found it very hard to part with you--though I did so
because I thought it was right."

"You did, mother, I am sure, and providentially I fell into good hands,
and have every reason to be thankful that I went to sea," said the
lieutenant.

"I trust that Mrs Hadden will hear little Ben say the same when he
comes back from sea," said Mrs Charlton.

"I pray that I may be able to do my duty towards the boy, and watch
carefully over him," said the lieutenant.

"Depend on it, God will aid you. He always does those who trust in Him
and desire to serve Him," answered Mrs Charlton. "Tell the boy also,
shoul